It was part of the Wise County Public Schools system.

It was named after a former county school board superintendent, Dr. J. J. Kelly, Jr.

J. J. Kelly still holds the Virginia High School League record for most state championships won by any school in baseball and girls tennis.

The girls tennis program also holds the record for most consecutive state titles, having won seven, and consecutive team matches won, with a record of 128–0.

The state record for most consecutive baseball championships is also held by the Indians, as they won four from 1981 to 1984.